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2007 Toyota Camry Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
2007 Toyota Camry Review
America's best-selling car is redesigned for 2007 with new styling, more power and features, and, for the first time, a gas/electric-hybrid model. Camry's overall length is unchanged vs. the 2002-2006 generation, but wheelbase grows 2.2 inches and height decreases 1 inch. Curtain side airbags are now standard instead of optional.

The lineup includes the price-leader CE model, volume LE, sporty SE, and luxury XLE. All these come with a 158-hp 4-cyl engine that uses a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic. LE, SE, and XLE also offer 268-hp V6 versions, which use a 6-speed automatic. Camry's previous V6 had 210 hp and a 5-speed automatic.

The Hybrid teams a 4-cyl gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 187 hp. Like Toyota's other hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions and requires no plug-in charging. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

ABS is standard on all Camrys. So are front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and, for the first time, a driver knee airbag. The Hybrid adds traction/antiskid control, which is available for other models. SEs have a firmer suspension and, like the Hybrid, specific interior and exterior trim. A split folding rear seat is standard except on SE, which has a center pass-through. Leather upholstery is standard on the XLE V6 and optional for SE and 4-cyl XLE models. A navigation system with wireless cell phone link is optional for SE, XLE, and Hybrid models, as are heated seats. A newly available keyless-entry/starting system is included on the Hybrid, available for V6 XLE.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
News
Camry's 2007 design should see no major change for the next two years or so.
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2007 Toyota Camry Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6) Steering feel
Fuel economy (Hybrid) Build quality
Ride
Passenger room/comfort
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
4 7 7 5 5.9

Camrys with the 4-cyl engine furnish adequate go and feel quicker than the 10.1 sec 0-60 mph time we recorded with an automatic-transmission LE. V6 versions impressively strong in all situations; test XLE V6 did 6.2 sec 0-60. V6's 6-speed automatic transmission sometimes hesitant to kick down for passing power.

Hybrid sleepy on takeoff, but builds speed quickly; test Hybrid did 8.3 sec 0-60 mph. Still, throttle response at low and midrange speeds lags as CVT summons engine power.
Fuel Economy

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
6 5 5 7 5.1

Test LE 4-cyl models averaged 23.4 mpg in city/highway driving, 26.2 in mostly highway driving, and 19.0 in test that included acceleration runs. SE V6 averaged 22.5 mpg in a test with a slight majority of highway driving. XLE V6 averaged 17.9 in city/highway driving that included gas-eating acceleration tests.

Test Hybrids averaged 28.6-31.2 mpg in city/highway driving, 35.0 with more highway use. All Camrys use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
7 8 7 7 6.1

All models comfortably absorbent, even on severely cratered roads. All but SE also suffer moderate float over large humps and dips at highway speed. SE has better body control on its firmer suspension, but thumps a bit more over sharp bumps on its 17-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
6 7 6 5 6.2

Confident, predictable at moderate speeds, but--SE excepted--spoiled by marked cornering lean from comfort-biased suspensions. SEs lean less, feel more composed at speed, too. Other models feel slightly clumsy in fast turns. Steering on all but Hybrid accurate and responsive, if a bit overboosted and numb in the opinion of some testers. Hybrid steering also lacks feel, has inconsistent boost, delayed response. One test Hybrid suffered an alarming creaking noise from steering column during cornering. Brakes provide smooth, ample stopping power.
Quietness

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 8 7 6.2

Wind rush most noticed at highway speeds. Tire thrum annoys only on very coarse pavement. Four-cyl engines, including Hybrid's, suffer moderate high-rpm engine roar, are otherwise unobtrusive. Silky V6 very quiet in all but full-throttle acceleration.
Controls

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
8 8 7 7 6.7

Toyota's usual large, legible gauges. Control layout logical after brief acclimation. Hybrid replaces other models' tachometer with an unhelpful "power" gauge, and has a center dashboard screen for displaying power-flow and fuel-economy data. Climate display panel becomes difficult to read in bright light. Navigation system easy to program but absorbs and complicates some audio functions.

Cabin materials generally solid and serviceable, with many soft-touch surfaces, tasteful trim. Several test cars disappointed with unsightly seams, misaligned plastic panels, and assorted interior squeaks and rattles.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
8 8 8 8 6.8

Fine leg room on well-shaped, comfortably padded seats. Good head room for all except the very tall. Steering wheel tilts and telescopes, helping to fine-tune driving stance. Styling slightly impedes visibility aft and to right-rear; clear sight lines elsewhere.
Room/Comfort (rear)

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
6 6 6 6 5.1

Ample leg and knee space even for six-footers riding in tandem. Head room less generous but OK, as is cabin width for three-abreast travel. Seat cushion not long enough for best support, though. Easy entry/exit despite slightly narrow thresholds.
Cargo Room

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
4 4 4 2 4.8

Note that Hybrid has 10.6 cu ft of trunk volume vs. other models' 15.0. All have useful shape, though sickle-shaped lid hinges intrude and trunk opening too small for really bulky items. All but SE have folding rear seatbacks with handy in-trunk releases; XLE folding seatbacks also have a pass-through. Cabin storage ample in all models.
Value within Class

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
10 9 9 7 6.3

Camry is a perennial Best Buy among midsize cars, and the redesigned 2007s improve on a winning formula. This is still no excitement machine--not even the sporty SE version--and recent test examples have suffered uncharacteristic lapses in materials and workmanship. But every Camry is a class benchmark for powertrain and chassis refinement.
Total Score

LE 4-cyl, auto. SE V6 XLE V6 w/nav. sys. Hybrid w/nav. sys. Class Average
66 69 67 61 59.2
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
47
Average Score
59
High Score
69
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2007 Toyota Camry Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/23/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
CE 4-door sedan, manual $18,470 $16,898 $620
CE 4-door sedan, automatic $19,520 $17,860 $620
LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual $19,925 $17,832 $620
LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic $20,975 $18,771 $620
LE V6 4-door sedan, automatic $23,540 $20,949 $620
SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual $21,140 $18,813 $620
SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic $22,140 $19,703 $620
SE V6 4-door sedan, automatic $24,815 $22,085 $620
XLE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic $24,900 $22,161 $620
XLE V6 4-door sedan, automatic $28,020 $24,937 $620
Hybrid 4-door sedan, CVT $26,200 $23,580 $620
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
CE
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, driver knee airbag, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
LE adds to CE:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (V6).
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry.
SE adds to LE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, trunk pass-through.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: split folding rear seat.
Fog lights, sport suspension, 215/55R17 tires, alloy wheels.
XLE adds to LE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery (V6), 4-way power passenger seat, reclining split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, rear sunshade.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, alloy wheels.
Hybrid adds to LE:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline/electric motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless access and start, JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, rear sunshade.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: brake assist, tachometer.
Alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Sport Convenience Pkg.
SE
$275
$220
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener. NA w/manual transmission.
Sport Leather Pkg.
SE
$1,770
$1,416
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, 4-way power passenger seat. NA w/manual transmission.
Convenience Pkg.
Hybrid
$470
$376
Heated front seats and outside mirrors. Requires leather upholstery.
Premium Preferred Accessory Pkg.
CE, LE, SE
$277
$181
XLE
$475
$325
First-aid kit, cargo mat and net, floormats, glass-breakage sensor (XLE).
Safety
Antiskid system
CE, LE, SE, XLE
$650
$520
Includes traction control. Std. Hybrid.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SE
$2,200
$1,800
XLE, Hybrid
$1,200
$1,020
Includes JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer, wireless cell phone link (SE). NA w/manual transmission.
Power sunroof
LE, SE, Hybrid
$940
$752
Includes illuminated visor mirrors.
JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LE, SE
$1,000
$750
Includes wireless cell phone link.
Satellite radio
Hybrid, LE, SE, XLE
$449
$359
LE, SE require navigation system or JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. NA CE.
Leather upholstery
SE automatic, Hybrid
$1,300
$1,040
XLE 4-cylinder
$1,050
$840
Hybrid includes power passenger seat.
Heated front seats
XLE
$440
$352
XLE 4-cylinder requires leather upholstery.
Keyless access and start
XLE V6
$450
$360
Remote engine start
Hybrid, LE, SE, XLE
$529
$380
NA CE. NA w/manual transmission.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
LE automatic, SE manual
$150
$120
Includes compass.
Heated outside mirrors
SE, Hybrid
$30
$24
NA w/manual transmission.
Floormats
CE, Hybrid, LE, SE, XLE
$199
$126
Includes cargo mat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
CE, Hybrid, LE, SE, XLE
$295
$205
215/55R17 all-season tires
SE
$0
$0
Alloy wheels
CE, LE
$795
$595
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2007 Toyota Camry Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Toyota Camry 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 109.3
Overall Length, in. 189.2
Overall Width, in. 71.7
Overall Height, in. 57.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 3285
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.0
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.5
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.6
Rear Head Room, in. 37.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.3
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 dohc I4/electric dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.4 /144 2.4 /144 3.5 /211
Horsepower @ rpm. 158 @ 6000 187 @ 6000 268 @ 6200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 161 @ 4000 @ 248 @ 4700
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 24/34 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic 24/33 --/-- --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- --/-- 22/31
CVT automatic --/-- 40/38 --/--
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Toyota Camry 4-door sedan
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 For Highlander Hybrid, Prius, and Camry hybrid 8/100,000 on hybrid components.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance None/-- Prius gets 3/36,000 Roadside Assistance.
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Toyota Camry
Trim Level:  SE
Arrival Date:  05/10/2006
Engine:  dohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $24,315
Price as Tested:  $29,929
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  1630
Mileage at End of Test:  1972
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  15.38 gals.
 

Major Options:  JBL Premium 6 Disc In-Dash CD Changer/MP3/Bluetooth w/8 Speakers in 6 Locations, 440 Watts and Satellite Radio Capability. (Requires subscription to XM or Sirius, Antenna and Receiver) Sport Convenience Package: (EC Rearview Mirror with Compass & Garage Door Opener) Sport Leather Package: (Leather package with Driver and Front Passenger Heated Power Seats and Heated Outside Mirrors) Color-Keyed Rear Spoiler, Moonroof Package (Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof with Dual Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors and Rear Personal Lamps) Vehicle Stability Control w/Traction Control, Carpet/Trunk Mat Set

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  22.24 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski It's still not the most exciting car to drive, but Camry remains a benchmark for its powertrain and chassis refinement. But the folks at Toyota best be looking in their rear view mirrors, as the Koreans are advancing at a feverish pace.


Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Toyota Camry
Trim Level:  XLE
Arrival Date:  09/25/2006
Engine:  dohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $27,520
Price as Tested:  $31,039
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  2068
Mileage at End of Test:  2553
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  20.894 gals.
 

Major Options:  Heated Seats, Navigation System with JBL Premium Audio 4-disc in-dash CD Changer/MP3/Bluetooth with 8 Speakers, in 6 locations and Satellite Radio Capability, Smart Key System w/Push Button Start, Vehicle Stability Control w/Traction Control, Carpet and Trunk Mats

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  23.21 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Kirk Bell Toyota has good cars and they know it. It appears, however, that they're starting to get cocky. The Camry has a great powertrain and a wonderful ride. It makes good use of space and is generally pleasant inside. But some obvious interior cost cutting and a hefty $31,000 price tag for our tester indicate Toyota is inching its midsize leader up toward the near luxury class while cheapening the interior. That smacks of profit taking.


Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Trim Level:  Hybrid
Arrival Date:  11/06/2006
Engine:  dohc I4/electric
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  CVT automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $25,900
Price as Tested:  $30,589
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  8639
Mileage at End of Test:  8870
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  8.092 gals.
 

Major Options:  Leather Package (Power Driver and Passenger Leather Trimmed Seats and Door Trim), Voice Activated DVD Navigation System w/JBL Premium Audio 4-Disc In-Dash CD Changer/MP3/Bluetooth with 8 Speakers in 6 Locations, Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof w/Dual Illuminated Fisor Vanity Mirrors and Rear Personal Reading Lamps, Comfort & Convenience Package (Heated Front Seats and Heated Power Outside Mirrors), Carpet/Trunk Mat Set

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  28.55 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta The 28.5 mpg average we recorded with our test Camry Hybrid is far below the EPA's estimates for this car, and probably close to what a conventional-engine 4-cyl Camry would average. Equipped similarly to our loaded Hybrid, which stickered for $30,000, a 4-cyl Camry XLE would be about $27,800. At $2.50 per gallon, 12,000 miles annually, and a 280 mpg averge, a year's worth of gas would cost about $1100. That suggests it would take two years to recoup the Hybrid's purchase price. However, the Hybrid is faster and more powerful than the conventional 4-cyl Camry, while exacting no significant penalties in driveability. In fact, few 187-hp sedans with this level of room and comfort would average 28.5 mpg. Toyota provides an 8/100,000 warranty on hybrid components, vs. 5/60,000 for its conventional powertrains. And the Hybrid has cleaner emissions than any conventional-engine Camry. So you're environmental ledger is in the black right off the bat, and after two years, so is your sticker-price/fuel-economy book. When so many buyers pay multiple thousands for gas-guzzling, poor-emissions high-performance hardware or 4WD gear they'll never use, I can't criticize anyone who would decide the personal and societal benefits of the Hybrid are worth some initial extra expense. Plus, this is a pretty nice car.

Tom Appel Don't do it. Don't buy a Camry Hybrid because you think you're getting the same car but better mileage. In the case of Camry, buying the Hybrid means accepting poor throttle response, terrible steering feel, and only a moderate improvement in fuel economy over the base 4-cylinder engine. By all practical measures, except fuel economy, the Hybrid is less car than its convention Camry brethren.

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